Polish Air Force Academy

BackgroundThe Geneva Conventions form the core of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), safeguarding healthcare and protecting civilians from the brutality of war. Unfortunately, these conventions are often disregarded. Attacks on healthcare have devastating effects on healthcare systems, and it is therefore vital to document such attacks and detect possible temporal patterns. This study aims to assess temporal trends in attacks on healthcare in five conflict-affected countries: Lebanon, Myanmar, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), Sudan and Ukraine.MethodsThis study used two publicly available databases: the World Health Organization Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care (WHO SSA) and the Insecurity Insight Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC). Start dates and key events were determined for each conflict based on grey literature searches. From the start dates onward, data on attacks on healthcare were collected. The data collection ended on December 31, 2024. Statistical analysis entailed chi-square tests for temporal trends.ResultsThe WHO SSA and SHCC database reported a total of 4,289 and 5,454 attacks, respectively, in the five investigated conflict-affected countries. For all conflict-affected countries except Lebanon, there were significant differences between the databases regarding the reported number of attacks. Temporal trend analyses revealed that, in Myanmar, oPt, Sudan and Ukraine, the highest number of attacks occurred during the 0–2 month period. In Lebanon, the highest number of attacks was observed in the 9-11-month period. All peaks in the number of attacks were associated with either the immediate or early phase of the conflict or with major conflict escalations.ConclusionsTemporal trend analyses of five ongoing armed conflicts revealed that spikes in attacks on healthcare were either associated with the immediate or early phases of the conflict or with major conflict escalations. Although major differences exist between the WHO SSA and SHCC database, particularly regarding the reported number of attacks, the observed patterns were largely similar.

• A microcalorimetric test of the encapsulated phase-change material was performed. • Different heating/cooling rates ranging from 1 K·min -1 to 10 K·min -1 were used. • Data on the parameters of the observed phase transition were obtained. • Temperature waveforms runs of the apparent specific heat were obtained. • Attention was paid to the physics of the melting and solidification processes. The subject of the article is the study of granular microcapsules filled with BASF Micronal DS5038 X phase change material (PCM) using thermal analysis methods: thermogravimetry (TG) and microcalorimetry (DSC). The core DSC measurements were performed over a temperature range covering −20 °C to 55 °C or 80 °C, i.e. the area of the two identified, separable ranges of phase change for the filling material. Varying rates of heating/cooling ranging from 1 K·min −1 to 10 K·min −1 were used. The results of the microcalorimetric measurements were supplemented with TG results, ranging from 25 °C to 550 °C. The characterisation of the studied granulate was also complemented by the results of microscopic and profilometric studies documenting the structure of the microcapsules. Based on the results, the enthalpy and temperature of the onset and end of the observed phase changes were determined, as well as representative temperature dependencies of the apparent specific heat were determined – for both heating and cooling processes. The behaviour of the pellets under cyclic forcing of temperature changes with different rates of change was also documented.

To identify the health planning, health provision, and health lessons learned from unplanned or spontaneous mass gathering events. This research used a scoping review design. Data was collected from 4 databases, using search terms relating to "mass gathering events," "spontaneous events," and "health services." Data was extracted relating to the event characteristics, health usage, and patient outcomes. Extracted data were deductively coded against the surge capacity domains of staff, stuff/supplies, space, and systems. Ten papers were included in this review. Most spontaneous mass gathering events were related to riots, civil unrest, or unplanned large parties, which required a response from the health care system. Health staff were predominantly from an ambulance, pre-\hospital, or emergency medical services. Additional personal protective equipment, such as ballistic equipment and respiratory protection, was required. The planning for a health care response to a spontaneous mass gathering event requires a risk-based approach. Such an approach should be applied in local disaster and mass casualty plans as a hazard-specific response. Preparation and response should include interagency collaboration. Enhancing the reporting of spontaneous mass gathering events will provide insights for future planning and response.

The development of airport security screening systems requires the use of increasingly sophisticated and effective equipment to detect prohibited or hazardous items and substances. However, this can lead to a reduction in the throughput of the security checkpoint (SCP). This paper addresses the operationally important problem of the dilemma between screening effectiveness and screening checkpoint throughput, which is important to the real operational capabilities of an airport. In this paper, a comparison of traditional walk-through metal detectors (WTMD) gates and newer technology body scanners (BSs) was carried out in terms of SCP throughput as an element determining the operational capabilities of the airport. For this purpose, a simulation model was developed to study throughput based on a colored timed Petri net. The analysis showed that, depending on the characteristics of the available staff, the level of terrorist and epidemic threat, as well as the time of year, it is advantageous to use different strategies to vary the size of the stream of passengers directed for screening by the WTMD gate and BS.

Instantaneous frequency measurement devices are designated for very fast measurements of the current frequency value of microwave signals, even if they are very short in the time domain. Fast measurements of frequency temporary values may be based on the evaluation of the phase difference of signal propagating through the microwave transmission lines with unequal, but known, lengths. This paper presents the principle of determination of temporary values of the microwave signal frequency using the digitalized signals and the binary value of them eventually. In the purpose of increase the frequency discrimination resolution, additional tracks with lines with a larger length are proposed. For the system with elements with analytical model transmission characteristics it is typical that bands of ambiguity of frequency measurement occurs. To tackle this problem in addition to 4 x 4 Butler matrix implementation the method of using combination sine and cosine signals is proposed.

This study investigates the relationship between dietary habits and metabolic health among women, emphasizing the role of anthropometric parameters as proxies for insulin resistance. We analyzed data from 443 women categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of clinically diagnosed insulin resistance. Our assessments included dietary quality, socio-demographic characteristics, and a series of anthropometric measurements such as body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), and Body Adiposity Index (BAI). The results indicated significant disparities in these parameters, with the insulin-resistant group exhibiting higher average body weight (78.92 kg vs. 65.04 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (28.45 kg/m2 vs. 23.17 kg/m2, p < 0.001), and other related measures, suggesting a strong influence of dietary patterns on body composition and metabolic risk. The study underscores the importance of dietary management in addressing insulin resistance, advocating for personalized dietary strategies to improve metabolic health outcomes in women. This approach highlights the need for integrating dietary changes with lifestyle modifications and socio-demographic considerations to combat metabolic risks effectively.

Cel pracyCelem artykułu jest zdefiniowanie oraz przedstawienie autorskiego pojęcia szkolenia i kształcenia lotniczego oraz identyfikacja tych terminów na tle innych pojęć pedagogicznych.Materiał i metodyProblem badawczy został wyrażony pytaniem: jakimi cechami charakterystycznymi różnią się kształcenie i szkolenie lotnicze? W artykule zastosowano metody teoretyczne: analizę, syntezę i porównanie.WynikiWynikiem badań jest przedstawienie autorskiej definicji kształcenia i szkolenia lotniczego.WnioskiDylematy w definiowaniu podstawowych pojęć dydaktycznych jak kształcenie i szkolenie lotnicze to tylko mały wycinek problemu edukacji pilotów wojskowych w Polsce. Nadal należy ustalić odrębność takich pojęć jak edukacja lotnicza, dydaktyka lotnicza, proces dydaktyczno-wychowawczy w lotnictwie wojskowym i wiele innych, które wniosą wkład w rozwój nauk o bezpieczeństwie oraz będą tworzyć paradygmat nauk o bezpieczeństwie. Z przeprowadzonej analizy i oceny pojęć wynika, że kształcenie lotnicze pilotów jest długotrwałym procesem, wymagającym nieustannego doskonalenia umiejętności i zdolności technicznych. Kształcenie opiera się na metodach dydaktycznych takich jak wykłady, seminaria, projekty badawcze, testy i egzaminy, które mają na celu rozwinięcie zdolności krytycznego myślenia i analizy. Kształcenie jest związane ze szkołą i systemem edukacyjnym, gdzie nauczyciele i instruktorzy odgrywają kluczową rolę w przekazywaniu wiedzy i umiejętności. Obejmuje dużo bardziej kompleksowy proces, który może trwać przez wiele lat, a nawet całe życie zawodowe, począwszy od edukacji szkolnej aż do studiów uniwersyteckich i dalszego kształcenia (w tym samokształcenia).

The article shows the results of a study on the determination of SBAS satellite positioning integrity parameters as a HPL and VPL protection levels. To this end, a modified algorithm was developed to determine the HPL and VPL protection levels from a common aircraft position navigation solution based on EGNOS and SDCM augmentation systems. The developed mathematical scheme was verified on real GNSS kinematic data recorded by two onboard Septentrio AsterRx2i and Trimble Alloy receivers installed on a Diamond DA 20-C aircraft. Based on the conducted tests, it was found that the HPL parameter does not exceed 12.24 m, while respectively the VPL does not exceed 18.01 m. In addition, in the course of the study it was found that the proposed EGNOS+SDCM solution improves the HPL/VPL integrity determination in relation to the EGNOS solution by 8÷66%. The mathematical scheme used in the study was also applied to designation the HPL/VPL terms for the UAV platform. The obtained results of the HPL/VPL values for the positioning of the aircraft and the UAV platform show a high efficiency of the developed algorithm for improving the integrity parameter.

Traumatic injuries are a significant global health concern, with profound medical and socioeconomic impacts. This study explores the patterns of trauma-related hospitalizations in the Lublin Province of Poland, with a particular focus on the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to assess the trends in trauma admissions, the average length of hospital stays, and mortality rates associated with different types of injuries, comparing urban and rural settings over two distinct time periods: 2018-2019 and 2020-2021. This descriptive study analyzed trauma admission data from 35 hospitals in the Lublin Province, as recorded in the National General Hospital Morbidity Study (NGHMS). Patients were classified based on the International Classification of Diseases Revision 10 (ICD-10) codes. The data were compared for two periods: an 11-week span during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and the equivalent period in 2019. The study found a decrease in overall trauma admissions during the pandemic years (11,394 in 2020-2021 compared to 17,773 in 2018-2019). Notably, the average length of hospitalization increased during the pandemic, especially in rural areas (from 3.5 days in 2018-2019 to 5.5 days in 2020-2021 for head injuries). Male patients predominantly suffered from trauma, with a notable rise in female admissions for abdominal injuries during the pandemic. The maximal hospitalization days were higher in rural areas for head and neck injuries during the pandemic. The study highlights significant disparities in trauma care between urban and rural areas and between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. It underscores the need for healthcare systems to adapt to changing circumstances, particularly in rural settings, and calls for targeted strategies to address the specific challenges faced in trauma care during public health crises.